I just know they help with what the child(ren) needs and get to know them at a much better scale - so they canfigure out and pin point exactly whats going on in both households. I know they are under the Judges "wing," and very nice people!

We might be requesting one soon for our case! usually they help out with abused and neglected children in one home or the 'others' home. the GAL will see who is more "fit."

That is just awful that your BD of your DS would do such a horrible thing! That is disturbing to hear maybe because the BM here is evil!

GAL is a guard ad litem they are to hear your childrens thoughts , just because they say they want to live with a certain parent isn't going to happen , just give the judge a heads up this suchs child is wanting this and this child is wanting this parent. i have seen it where the children (3) we're split up into both BDs and BMs house. Is it just your DS? Not sure you didnt state if you had others. But its a very hard thing to go through is this process of child custody. It can be a hassle , hopefully you will get an easygoing, nice, sweet GAL. Most are nice! Very openminded people. Usually they have to take a class on doing it and get the courts permission after passing....

That is very sad and looks very bad on your ex if he does "record," especially if its G.A.L. they may just have him bring the children to a facility so there is no recorder on the child/in their home. the GAL will get to know you and your ex (BD), SM's and Step Dads

If your ex has recorders in his home and doesn't turn them off for the GAL then he's committing a crime. The GAL is an attorney for the child and therefore all conversations are to be kept between them (that's the LAW). Also, if there are recording devices in the home and it's not posted (in an obvious location) that people in the home are being recordedthen it could be a major crime (depending on the state... you might want to check into it).

I would really call the GAL and let the know that there are recording devices in the other home and tell the GAL to have your ex turn them off. Then if your ex doesn't it's another legal check against him...

I m in the "social network field," they are the eyes and ears for the children through any kind of abuse/neglect (mainly) situation, also divorce , custody etc....they necessarly arent a lawyer but work for the Judge to report / monitor the childs behavior. or children's! Hope this helps.

Basically, a GAL is a lawyer who represents the child, not either of the parents. They do a lot of things (sometimes including home visits in both homes, talking with the child(ren) without the parent present to see what the child wants, stuff like that) and they report to the court with what they think is best for the child.